AATA Blog

“ I am an art therapist who strongly believes in the insight we gain through expressing our ideas in art while in the presence of another. It is powerful how much we learn about ourselves and others, which ultimately frees us from defensive restrictions.”

“My hopes for the future of the art therapy profession are centered around increasing recognition and accessibility to this valuable form of therapy. Art therapy has been shown to have a significant impact on mental health and well-being, making it a crucial tool for individuals facing various challenges and conditions. I believe that art therapy should be recognized nationally and integrated into healthcare systems, schools, and community programs. This recognition can help increase funding and resources for art therapy programs, making them more widely available to those who may not be able to afford it otherwise.”

“Becoming an art therapist has been an incredible journey for me so far. I’ve had the opportunity to watch my clients grow and they constantly inspire me. There’s something that my good friend (and peer) LauraChioma Jones said that has stuck with me as I’m finishing school about art therapy: “It’s not always magic, but sometimes it is.” Sometimes what we do truly does feel like magic, and I can’t wait to see what magical moments happen throughout the rest of my career.”

“In the hands of a well-trained therapist, there is no doubt the process of art-making is powerful, both clinically and personally. Art IS the inspiration. Art is our vehicle to bridge an understanding of the unthinkable, to express what sometimes cannot be expressed in any other way, whether to others or to ourselves. In the words of Georgia O’Keeffe, ‘I found I could say things with colors and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way- things I had no words for.’ Connecting with other Art Therapists is important in the journey, especially if one chooses to work in communities where there may be few, if any, fellow art therapists. AATA helps provide those connections.”

“I used to teach in contemporary abstract art museums and my favorite thing included people who came in with an assumption about the art, but when they sat with it and learned more about it and the person who made it, their beliefs were altered. This is something I love to experience with art therapy clients as well.”

“What excites me about my work is witnessing the profound, non-verbal power of art therapy across various populations, including those who are grieving, incarcerated youth, and individuals recovering from addiction. Art therapy enables the expression of emotions that might be too overwhelming or painful to verbalize, and it teaches new coping strategies and methods to manage stress, anger, and frustration.”

“Studying art therapy has been a life-changing experience. In my 40s, I finally found myself like “a bird in the sky.” Every day is fulfilling and rewarding. I am excited to devote myself to art therapy for the rest of my life.”

“I would love to see art therapists united in purpose and vision in our field across the world. Additionally, I would love to see increased quality research, more advocates for art therapy, and for our next generation of art therapists to lead the way in these efforts.”

“I love seeing relief and clarity come to my clients’ faces, bodies, and thoughts when they give art a chance. I get energized talking with other professionals about how they can incorporate art with their clients to create new insights and breakthroughs.

At this point in my life I value the ripple effect more and more and want to empower others to do what I do so more people can experience the healing power of art. That is why in my own business I’m focusing on books, courses, and professional consultation.”

“My suggestion would be to trust the process and yourself. Everyone goes through (and will continue to no matter how experienced they are) imposter syndrome. Find your Art Therapy community and people. These are important people where you can uplift and support each other.”